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JMBM attorneys bring experience, expertise and business insight to sophisticated consumers of legal services. Our attorneys are recognized leaders in their areas of expertise, and are frequently called upon to teach, speak, write and comment on current legal and industry issues.

For more than 30 years, Jeffer Mangels Butler & Mitchell LLP (JMBM) has provided clients with results-successfully resolving cases, closing deals, protecting assets, and adding value. Many of the Firm's founding members continue to practice law at JMBM, which is now ranked in the American Lawyer's AmLaw 200 list and recognized by numerous industry, peer and media groups. From our offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Orange County, we serve our clients' needs worldwide.

JMBM attorneys keep our clients and friends up to date on developments that impact their businesses. Through blogs, newsletters, client alerts and bylined articles in industry publications, we provide analysis and practical advice. We also issue press releases on important news about our law firm. Additionally, the press calls on us frequently to provide expert commentary on current news. We invite you to subscribe to our publications, which are free of charge. If you are a member of the press looking for a resource, please contact Carol James who will connect you with the right person.

In addition to his active court schedule, Christopher focuses on creative ways to address client concerns and resolve disputes while avoiding litigation. Functioning as an outside general counsel, he offers experienced advice and guides clients on short-term needs and long-term goals relative to business management, strategies and opportunities, dispute resolution, property rights, purchase and sale agreements and leases, and related issues. In addition to his knowledge about business and real estate litigation, Christopher has a familiarity with many of the legal issues pertaining to museums, galleries, and fine arts and educational institutions. Christopher grew up in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in literature from Stanford University. Before becoming an attorney, he worked in New York and Los Angeles in entertainment and public relations, primarily as a writer and advocate for creative projects in the arts.

JMBM's Litigation Group is recognized by U.S. News & World Report / Best Law Firms® with a Metropolitan First-Tier Ranking (San Francisco) for Commercial Litigation.

Representative cases:

Gloria June Harrison v. American Home Mortgage, et. al., United States District Court, Case No. 2:13-cv-01396-DSF-E (C.D.Cal. October 1, 2013) (Fisher, J.)

Loredo v. U.S. Bank National Association, et. al., San Francisco Superior Court, Case No. CGC-08-470708 (Sullivan, J.). Successfully defended client in lengthy real estate and business litigation pursued by a relentless opponent. The case involved allegations of fraud, unfair business practices, conspiracy, negligence, and violations of RICO (18 USC §1964, et. seq.), among several other causes of action. It required extensive law and motion practice and involved voluminous and contentious written discovery and depositions, which led to in the appointment of an active discovery referee. After three years of litigation, the court granted our motion for summary adjudication on all but one cause of action. Later, following a six-week trial, we prevailed on the remaining cause of action when the jury returned a verdict in the client’s favor. After the verdict, the court ordered that our client was the “prevailing party” and that it was entitled to recover substantial attorney fees from plaintiff.

Wanland v. First American Title Ins. Co., Sacramento County Superior Court, Case No. 04AS02975 (2006) (Rodda, J.) Represented title insurer in an action by insured who improperly sought insurance coverage for existing federal tax liens due to insured’s non-payment of federal income taxes. The insured sought monetary damages for bad faith, in addition to attorney fees and punitive damages. After lengthy litigation and contentious trial, the court rendered judgment for client on all claims. Also, successfully represented insurer in appeal.

Education

J.D., University of the Pacific - McGeorge School of Law, 1997

M.A., English Literature, Stanford University, 1991

B.A., English Literature, Stanford University, 1988

Bar Admissions

State Bar of CaliforniaU.S. District Court, Northern District of CaliforniaU.S. District Court, Central District of CaliforniaU.S. District Court, Eastern District of CaliforniaU.S. District Court, Southern District of California